MacBook | MacBook Pro Battery Problem

Do You Have It?

Update 011411: While for the most part THE Macbook Battery Problem is behind us, much of the info on this page remains valid for those of us with older Macbook and Macbook pros.

Update 071509: A reader (thank you Robert) writes to say that although Apple's battery update program has now been officially
discontinued, they are still willing to replace a failed battery on
a MacBook that is less than two years old.

Update 022209: Some people are reporting recently that even though they seem to be experienceing the (see below)
Macbook or MacbookPro battery problem, because it's been more than two years since they purchased their Macbook, Apple is denying replacement
batteries. That seems to be consistent with their original announcement:

This program extends repair coverage on the battery for up to two years from the date of purchase of the computer for Intel Core Duo-based MacBook and
MacBook Pro computers. Apple will continue to evaluate the battery update program and will provide further extensions as needed...

Do you see an 'X' in the battery icon in your MacBook Finder menu bar?
Does your MacBook battery fail to charge after plugging in to AC power?
Does your fully charged battery run out quickly?
Is your battery pack visibly deformed? (If your MacBook's battery is deformed
you should qualify for a replacement,
but you'll need to Book
an Appointment with an Apple Rep.)

Apple has quite a bit of information about the problem on their website. But it's a hard to find and a
little confusing. I hope this article will help you solve your Macbook battery problem.

The first thing to know is that your Mac isn't in any danger. It's a battery
performance issue only. (On or about April 30, 2007) Apple stated, "The factors causing the performance issues do not present
a safety risk. You may continue to use your current battery,"

The first thing to do is simply shut down, then remove and reinstall the
battery. If the problem persists Apple then recommends you (if you haven't already),
upgrade to at least OS 10.4.9. This can be accomplished through Software Update (assuming
you're online, under the Apple > Software Update). Alternately you can
download it.

Next thing to try is Battery Update 1.2 which is software that udates the battery's firmware and improves
functionality. Apple recommends Battery Update be run on all MacBook and
MacBook Pro computers and extra batteries that were purchased between February 2006 and April 2007.
You can run Software Update to install it. Alternately you can
download it.
Battery Update requires at least OS 10.4.8.( 10.4.8 can be
found here).

If, after running Battery Update, your Macbook is still experiencing a battery problem,
Apple recommends you make a reservation to bring your computer into your local
Apple store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can book an appointment
or find an Apple Service Provider here.

If you're even a bit technically minded and you'd like to try a few more
things before you take it in for servicing, you could start by checking to
see how many times your battery has cycled (been charged and then drained).
You can find out how to do that at this Apple page.
Apple states your Macbook battery should still be good to go after even 300 cycles. This should
give you an idea if perhaps your problem is simply that the battery is too old to hold a charge.

Another Apple article recommends resetting the System Management Controller.
This is quite easily done. Scroll down to the bottom of this page
and choose the popup for "Resetting the SMC on Mac portables with a battery you can remove"for directions.
While not specifically related to this battery problem, calibrating your battery
from time to time is a good idea and easy to do. Macbook and Macbook Pro directions
can be found half way down this page.
For information about discarding old batteries, please check the links page for recycling instructions.